Western District of Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY – NAIM BILAL EVANS, 38, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 96 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public records, on April 19, 2025, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department responded to a metro convenience store following reports of a man with a firearm. When officers arrived, they encountered Evans crossing the street and recovered an AR-15 firearm from a nearby trash can. Surveillance video from outside the store showed Evans kicking the store’s front door while armed with the firearm.

On May 20, 2025, a federal grand jury charged Evans with being a felon in possession of a firearm. He pleaded to the charge on August 29, 2025.

At a sentencing hearing on April 22, 2026, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Evans to serve 96 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, Judge Wyrick noted Evans’ repeated criminal history related to firearms. Public records reflect that Evans has prior felony convictions in Oklahoma County District Court, including pointing a firearm in case number CF-2008-939 and being a felon in possession of a firearm in case number CF-2018-157.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Gridley prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – IZAVIA MARQUIS SMITH, 29, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 144 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public records, on August 12, 2025, an Oklahoma City Police Department officer pulled Smith over on I-35 after he crossed multiple lanes of traffic without signaling. Officers searched Smith and his car and recovered a small bag of cocaine, a handgun, and nine rounds of live ammunition. On September 2, 2025, a federal grand jury charged Smith with being a felon in possession of a firearm. He pleaded guilty to the charge on October 22, 2025.

On April 20, 2026, U.S. District Judge Jodi W. Dishman sentenced Smith to serve 144 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, Judge Dishman noted the need for deterrence, the need to protect the public, and Smith’s violent criminal history. Public records reflect that he has prior felony convictions in Oklahoma County that include:

• second-degree burglary in case number CF-2013-7722;
• two counts of domestic abuse, assault and battery, and malicious injury to property in case number CF-2015-2399; and
• first-degree burglary, two counts of felon in possession of a firearm, pointing a firearm at another, and using a vehicle to facilitate the discharge of a weapon in case number CF-2021-455.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) Laney Ellis prosecuted the case. SAUSA Ellis is an attorney with the City of Oklahoma City whose position is funded by a federal Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) grant awarded to the City of Oklahoma City to enhance efforts to address and reduce violent crime. PSN is a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make neighborhoods safer for everyone.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (OTBA), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. This case is also part of “Operation 922,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of OTBA, which prioritizes prosecution of federal crimes connected to domestic violence.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – JARMELLE DANTE CARTER, 38, of Midwest City, has been sentenced to serve nine years in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition after a previous felony conviction and for his role in a drug conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public records, on May 15, 2025, Midwest City Police Department officers executed a search warrant at two addresses associated with Carter and located two 12-gauge shotguns, ammunition, a large amount of currency, and controlled substances, including cocaine and marijuana. On July 16, 2025, a federal grand jury charged Carter with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition and with drug conspiracy. Carter pleaded guilty on December 10, 2025, and admitted he possessed two shotguns and ammunition despite his prior felony convictions, and that he conspired with others to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute.

At a sentencing hearing on April 21, 2026, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Carter to serve nine years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, Judge Russell noted Carter’s repeated drug dealing history. Public record reflects he has prior felony convictions in Oklahoma County District Court, including convictions for distribution of cocaine in case number CF-2007-4865, and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute in CF-2012-367.

This case is the result of an investigation by Midwest City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Gridley prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal jury has convicted ANTHONY MICHAEL LENNON, 44, formerly of Moore, of failure to register as a sex offender, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

On November 18, 2025, a federal grand jury charged Lennon with failure to register as a sex offender. On April 17, 2026, a federal jury found Lennon guilty.

“Mr. Lennon spun an elaborate web of lies to disappear and evade authorities by staging a crime scene, fleeing the state, and living under false identities for 13 years. But despite his best efforts, Mr. Lennon could not erase his criminal past nor stop the relentless pursuit of law enforcement to hold him accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “I commend the determined resolve of the U.S. Marshals Service and the Moore Police Department in their efforts to track down fugitives and bring them to justice, no matter how long it takes, how far they run, or the lengths they go through to hide from authorities.”

“The arrest of Anthony Lennon 13 years and 1,500 miles from the time he was last seen illustrates the dedication and expertise of the U.S. Marshals Service to find and apprehend fugitives, no matter how long they’ve been gone or how far they’ve run,” said U.S. Marshal Johnny L. Kuhlman.

According to evidence presented at trial, on March 12, 2012, officers with the Moore Police Department contacted the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) for assistance in locating Lennon after he disappeared from a local hotel. Authorities initially found evidence suggesting a violent struggle. However, after consulting with crime scene experts, the USMS determined the scene had been staged.

At the time of his disappearance, Lennon, a registered sex offender, faced child pornography charges in Cleveland County District Court, along with potential prison time for violating the terms of his suspended sentence from a prior child pornography conviction. Investigators later learned that Lennon had emptied his bank accounts shortly before vanishing and believed he had fled the state of Oklahoma.

In 2025, investigators learned Lennon had fraudulently attempted to obtain a U.S. passport multiple times under an alias while living in Nevada and Illinois. Investigators further determined Lennon was living in New York. Lennon failed to register as a sex offender in any state in which he lived. Lennon was arrested on October 30, 2025, in Canton, New York.

The trial lasted four days and the jury deliberated for approximately two hours before finding Lennon guilty. At sentencing, Lennon faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

This case is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service, the Moore Police Department, the Diplomatic Security Service, Consular Affairs, and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela Ganote are prosecuting the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal grand jury has charged MATTHEW MCLAIN VEAZEY, 36, of Oklahoma City, with wire fraud, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public records, from June 2021 through December 2025, Veazey held himself out as an experienced and successful financial investment professional and induced friends and family to send him money by claiming he had special access to favorable investment opportunities due to his connections and prior employment with investment companies. Despite promising to invest funds on behalf of his victims or to include them in his own claimed investments, Veazey allegedly kept the money for himself and used it for personal expenses. Court records allege that investors transferred at least $2,385,000 into Veazey’s personal checking accounts, funds that were never repaid. It is further alleged that Veazey fabricated text messages and email communications from real people to convince victims that his investment activities were real and legitimate.

On April 7, 2026, a federal grand jury returned a 30-count indictment charging Veazey with 21 counts of wire fraud, five counts of money laundering, and four counts of aggravated identity theft. If convicted, Veazey faces up to 20 years in federal prison and fines of up to $250,000 for each count of wire fraud, up to 10 years in federal prison and fines up to $250,000 for each count of money laundering, and a mandatory 2 years in federal prison for each count of aggravated identity theft.

The public is reminded that these charges are merely allegations, and that Veazey is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office and IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jackson D. Eldridge and Julia E. Barry are prosecuting the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal grand jury in the Western District of Oklahoma returned an indictment yesterday charging SHAUN U. CHRISTIAN (“Christian”), 57, of Lindsay, Oklahoma, with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering in relation to the now-defunct First National Bank of Lindsay (“FNBL”).

According to court documents, Christian is alleged to have conspired with FNBL’s former President and CEO, Danny Seibel, 55, to defraud FNBL. The indictment alleges that, among other things, Christian and Seibel submitted false information in connection with multiple loans in 2021. Seibel is further alleged to have manipulated bank records related to Christian’s accounts to conceal overdrafts and past-due balances, allowing additional funds to be extended to Christian. The alleged scheme continued until shortly before FNBL’s failure in October 2024. The indictment also alleges that Christian laundered proceeds from the fraud through various personal expenditures.

Christian is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, four counts of bank fraud, and three counts of money laundering. If convicted, Christian faces a maximum penalty for each count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud of 30 years in prison and a maximum penalty for each count of money laundering of ten years.  

On December 3, 2025, Seibel was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, six counts of bank fraud, ten counts of false bank entries, one count of obstructing the examination of a financial institution, and one count of failure to maintain an anti-money laundering program. If convicted, Seibel faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison for each conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and false entry count, five years for obstructing the examination of a financial institution, and ten years for failure to maintain an anti-money laundering program.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General, the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General, the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, and IRS Criminal Investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julia E. Barry and Jackson D. Eldridge for the Western District of Oklahoma; and Trial Attorneys Mark Goldberg, Elysa Q. Wan, and J. Ryan McLaren of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture (MNF) Section Bank Integrity Unit are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

OKLAHOMA CITY – GEORGE WALTERS, 78, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 120 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. 

“The stiff sentence imposed by the Court justly punishes Walters as a repeat child predator who possessed and shared child porn less than one year after completing federal supervision related to his prior child pornography conviction,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “Protecting our children from vile predators will always remain a priority of this office.”

According to public records, in September 2025, FBI agents conducted an online undercover investigation to identify individuals possessing and sharing child pornography. Through their investigation, law enforcement identified an internet protocol (IP) address associated with Walters that made several child pornography images and videos available to others through a file-sharing website. Walters is a registered sex offender, having previously been convicted 2010 in the Western District of Oklahoma for possession of child pornography. Most recently, Walters was arrested on October 27, 2025, after law enforcement executed a search warrant on his phone and found child pornography.

On November 4, 2025, a federal grand jury charged Walters with possession of child pornography. Walters pleaded guilty on January 6, 2026, and admitted he knowingly possessed child pornography.

At the sentencing hearing on April 6, 2026, U.S. District Judge Scott L. Palk sentenced Walters to serve 120 months in federal prison, followed by supervised release for life. In announcing his sentence, Judge Palk cited the Walters’ criminal history and emphasized that Walters committed the offense less than a year after being discharged from supervised release for his prior child pornography conviction.

This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Hale prosecuted the case. 

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – JOSE CARLOS MORALES-GUTIERREZ, 31, a Mexican national who is in the country illegally, has been charged with possession of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. 

According to the charging document, on March 11, 2026, an Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) trooper pulled over a red semi-truck with trailer in Custer County, Oklahoma. The driver, Morales-Gutierrez, did not have a valid driver’s license. During the traffic stop, a K9 unit alerted to the presence of narcotics in the trailer of the vehicle. Inside the trailer, law enforcement located a duffel bag containing more than 20 pounds of methamphetamine. 

On March 17, 2026, Morales-Gutierrez was charged by Complaint with possession of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. If found guilty, Morales-Gutierrez faces up to life in federal prison, and a fine of up to $10,000,000. 

The public is reminded that this charge is merely an allegation, and that Morales-Gutierrez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 

This case is the result of an investigation by OHP and the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bow Bottomly is prosecuting the case. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

Reference is made to public filings for additional information. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – RAYMOND ISHUN EDWARDS, 33; MARCUS ELEBY-KING, 33; and HAROLD ELEBY-KING, 35, of Texas, have been sentenced to serve cumulatively 273 months in federal prison for attempted armed bank robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public records, on September 30, 2024, an armed Brink’s technician was working on an ATM in Midwest City when he was approached by two masked men. One of the men, later identified as Harold Eleby-King, pointed a firearm at the victim’s head while the other masked man, later identified as Edwards, unsuccessfully attempted to access the ATM. The men then took the victim’s firearm after a physical struggle before they fled in a car driven by Marcus Eleby-King. The three were arrested the following day in Wichita, Kansas.

On December 3, 2024, a federal Grand Jury charged Edwards, Harold Eleby-King, and Marcus Eleby-King with attempted armed bank robbery. The three defendants have since pleaded guilty and admitted they knowingly attempted to take money controlled by a bank by force, violence, and intimidation.

At a sentencing hearing on March 5, 2026, Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti sentenced Edwards to serve 92 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Harold Eleby-King and Marcus Eleby-King were previously sentenced, with Harold receiving 97 months and Marcus receiving 84 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release for both.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Midwest City Police Department, and the Wichita Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Nichols, Jr. prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal Grand Jury has charged ENDER ENRIQUE MUNOZ PEREZ, 30, and ANGEL RAPHAEL MEDINA-TAGUARIPANO, 24, both Venezuelan nationals, with conspiracy to commit bank theft and bank theft, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to court records, between January 19 and January 20, 2026, Perez, Medina-Taguaripano, and other coconspirators traveled to multiple Arvest Bank ATM locations in Chickasha, Moore, and Norman, Oklahoma. Court records allege that once at the banks, the coconspirators “jackpotted” the machines by gaining access to the ATMs’ computer systems and installing malware. It is alleged that the malware gave the defendants control of the ATMs, allowing them to command the machines to dispense cash. Through the jackpotting scheme, the defendants allegedly stole approximately $235,500 from the various ATMs.

On March 3, 2026, a federal Grand Jury returned a three-count indictment against Perez and Medina-Taguaripano, charging them with conspiracy to commit bank theft and two counts of bank theft. If found guilty, the defendants face up to five years in federal prison for conspiracy and up to ten years in federal prison for bank theft, and fines of up to $250,000 for each count.

The public is reminded that these charges are merely allegations, and that the defendants are innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle London is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – STEVEN LYNN ENGLAND, 43, of Lawton, has been sentenced to serve 108 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of firearms after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public records, on June 6, 2025, officers with the Lawton Police Department responded to a home after receiving reports of shots fired. When officers arrived, they observed England in the front yard arguing with a woman and discovered several cartridge casings on the ground. After officers separated the two, the woman told law enforcement that England had been inside the residence during the altercation and then directed law enforcement to an area inside where she knew England kept a firearm. 

From that location, law enforcement recovered a pistol bearing no serial number that was loaded with ammunition matching the recovered casings. The pistol was fitted with a machinegun conversion device (MCD), which converts a semi-automatic weapon into a fully automatic machinegun.

England, who was found to be wearing an empty holster on his waistband, was detained.

Upon execution of a search warrant at the residence, officers also located a sawed-off shotgun, ammunition, multiple large-capacity magazines, seven privately made silencers, various other gun parts, and a homemade explosive device.

Public records further show that England was previously convicted of possession of a controlled dangerous substance in Comanche County District Court case number CF-2014-113.

On October 17, 2025, England was charged by Information with being a felon in possession of firearms. He pleaded guilty on October 30, 2025, and admitted he possessed firearms despite having a previous felony conviction.

At the sentencing hearing on March 5, 2026, U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones, II, sentenced England to serve 108 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Jones noted the seriousness of the offense as well as the need to deter further criminal conduct and to protect the public.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lawton Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle M. Connolly prosecuted the case.

This case is part of “Operation 922,” “Shots Fired,” and “Project Switch Off,” which are all part of the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. “Operation 922” prioritizes prosecution of federal firearms violations connected to domestic violence. “Shots Fired” targets cases involving individuals who discharge firearms as part of their criminal activity, such as drive-by shootings or when shots are fired during robberies, domestic disputes, or other incidents. Meanwhile, “Project Switch Off” targets illegal machinegun conversion devices to address the significant danger these illegal devices present and to remove them from our streets.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – MICHAEL DENNIS MILLER, 46, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 84 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of firearms and engaging in a drug conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

Court records show that on September 23, 2024, an officer with the Union City Police Department pulled over a vehicle driven by codefendant SARAH JO MILLER, 34, also of Oklahoma City, with Michael Miller in the passenger seat. Because neither occupant had a valid driver’s license, the vehicle was impounded. During an inventory search of the vehicle, law enforcement recovered 28 firearms, approximately 87 grams of fentanyl, and 41 grams of methamphetamine.  

According to public records, Michael Miller and Sarah Miller have the following prior convictions in Oklahoma County District Court:

• Sarah Miller’s previous convictions include unauthorized use of a vehicle and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in case number CF-2020-1871, as well as unlawful possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, acquiring proceeds from drug activity, larceny of merchandise from a retailer, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia in case number CF-2023-1042; and
• Michael Miller’s previous convictions include endangering others while eluding/attempting to elude a police officer in case number CF-2021-3, as well as conspiracy to conceal stolen property, second-degree burglary, concealing stolen property, larceny of an automobile, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in case number CF-2019-4332.

Both defendants previously pleaded guilty to a drug conspiracy and being a felon in possession of firearms in separate superseding informations.

At a sentencing hearing on February 20, 2026, Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti sentenced Michael Miller to serve 84 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. On January 28, 2026, Sarah Miller was sentenced to serve 108 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentences, Judge DeGiusti noted the seriousness of the offenses and the criminal histories of the defendants.

This case is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Union City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hoch prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – AUSTIN GARRETT REEVES, 28, of Norman, has pleaded guilty to arson in Indian Country and possession of firearms after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to court records, on August 22, 2025, the McClain County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and the Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse Police Department (LHPD) responded to a reported burglary at a home in Washington, Oklahoma. The victim, a deputy with MCSO, told law enforcement that a handgun had been stolen from a family vehicle. A vehicle belonging to Reeves was parked near the victim’s residence, and law enforcement located Reeves nearby and arrested him. Reeves was released from the Grady County Jail later that day.

In the early hours of August 23, 2025, law enforcement responded to a fire at the same residence. Surveillance video showed Reeves using a large gas can to douse the victim’s personal vehicles and a MCSO patrol vehicle in gasoline. Reeves ignited the patrol vehicle, and the fire quickly spread to the other vehicles and then to the victim’s home, and Reeves was burned before fleeing the scene. The residents fled the home and were unharmed.

Later the same day, Reeves was arrested at his home in Norman after a standoff. Law enforcement observed a large burn on his left abdomen and recovered two firearms and burglary-related items from Reeves’ bedroom, as well as items related to arson from elsewhere in his home and from a vehicle.

On February 3, 2026, Reeves was charged by Superseding Information with arson in Indian Country and being a felon in possession of firearms.

Public records reflect that Reeves has previous felony convictions in Cleveland County District Court that include actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence in case number CF-20-937 and driving while under the influence of alcohol in case numbers CF-20-752 and CF-21-1175.

On February 24, 2026, Reeves pleaded guilty and admitted he willfully and maliciously set fire to two vehicles and a home, jeopardizing the lives of those inside, and that he knowingly possessed a firearm despite his previous felony convictions.

The arson charge is in federal court because Reeves is a member of the Cherokee Nation and the crime took place within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation.

At sentencing, Reeves faces up to life in federal prison and fines of up to $500,000.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, MCSO, LHPD, Newcastle Police Department, and the Washington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela Ganote are prosecuting the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – JOSE MELGAR-RIVAS, 35, of Honduras, has been sentenced to serve 78 months in federal prison for assaulting, resisting, or impeding a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)  officer resulting in bodily injury, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public records, on July 15, 2025, ICE officers conducted a traffic stop on NW 23rd Street in Oklahoma City. The driver, Melgar-Rivas, a Honduran national who had illegally entered the U.S., refused officers’ commands to exit the vehicle. As officers attempted to remove him, a struggle ensued.

During the altercation, Melgar-Rivas placed the vehicle in drive and fled the scene. As the vehicle accelerated, an ICE officer became caught in the vehicle’s door and was dragged down the roadway. The officer was eventually able to free himself but sustained multiple, serious injuries. Melgar-Rivas fled but was arrested several hours later.

“The defendant’s reckless decisions to resist, assault, and flee from law enforcement resulted in serious injury to an ICE officer,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “ Today’s sentence demonstrates that those who put law enforcement officers and the community at risk will be held accountable. I commend the coordinated efforts of our federal and local law enforcement partners and the prosecutors who worked to secure justice for the injured officer.”

“This sentencing sends a clear message: Attacks on federal officers will not be tolerated. Our officer endured life-altering injuries simply for doing his job protecting our communities and enforcing the law. HSI stands resolute in defending our personnel and ensuring those who threaten their safety are held fully accountable,” said Travis Pickard, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Dallas Special Agent in Charge. “We are grateful for the unwavering support of our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in securing justice for our colleague and his family.”

“This defendant made a conscious decision to turn his vehicle into a weapon, a blatant act of contempt for human life and the rule of law,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater. “Today’s sentencing sends an indisputable message: the FBI stands firmly behind our law enforcement partners, and we will act decisively to defend them.”

On August 5, 2025, a federal Grand Jury charged Melgar-Rivas with assaulting, resisting, or impeding a federal officer resulting in bodily injury. Melgar-Rivas pleaded guilty on September 30, 2025, and admitted he impeded and interfered with an ICE officer, resulting in bodily injury to the agent.

At the sentencing hearing today, U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones, II, sentenced Melgar-Rivas to serve 78 months in federal prison. In announcing his sentence, Judge Jones noted the harm caused to the victim and the danger Melgar-Rivas presented to himself and others as a result of his actions. 

After serving his sentence, Melgar-Rivas will be deported.

This case is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the Oklahoma City Police Department, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

Defendant Faces Additional Aggravated Kidnapping Charge in Texas

OKLAHOMA CITY – EDUARDO JAVIER ORDONEZ-GODOY, 36, of Honduras, has been sentenced to serve 120 months in federal prison for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition and illegal reentry into the United States after a previous deportation, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public records, on December 24, 2024, Ordonez-Godoy approached a woman in the parking lot of an apartment complex in Haltom City, Texas. Armed with a firearm, Ordonez-Godoy forced the victim into the backseat of her vehicle and drove her to a nearby bank, where he ordered her to withdraw cash from an ATM.

After the withdrawal, Ordonez-Godoy forced the victim back into the vehicle and continued driving around the area, threatening to prostitute her and sell her organs. A short time later, Ordonez-Godoy tied the victim to a tree using her shoelaces and fled in her vehicle. The victim freed herself and reported the crimes to law enforcement.

Later that day, the stolen vehicle was involved in a hit-and-run in North Richland Hills, Texas.

On December 25, 2024, an officer with the Oklahoma City Police Department located the stolen vehicle in the parking lot of an apartment complex in Oklahoma City. Ordonez-Godoy was found asleep inside the vehicle and was arrested. Officers recovered 42 rounds of ammunition and cash from his pockets, as well as a loaded firearm from beneath the driver’s seat.

Public records further reflect that Ordonez-Godoy was previously removed from the United States to Honduras on April 3, 2019.

On August 5, 2025, a federal grand jury returned a two-count Indictment charging Ordonez-Godoy with being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition and reentry of a removed alien. Ordonez-Godoy pleaded guilty on October 22, 2025, admitting that he knowingly reentered the United States after being previously removed and that he possessed a firearm and ammunition despite being prohibited from doing so.

At the sentencing hearing on February 25, 2026, U.S. District Judge Charles Goodwin sentenced Ordonez-Godoy to serve 120 months in federal prison. In announcing his sentence, Judge Goodwin noted the serious nature of the crimes and the need for deterrence, just punishment, and protection of the public.

Following the sentencing, Ordonez-Godoy faces additional state charges in Tarrant County, Texas, for aggravated kidnapping with a deadly weapon.

This case is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Oklahoma City Police Department, and Haltom City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Ganz prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

Ordered to Pay $874,893.39 in restitution

OKLAHOMA CITY – TIMOTHY ABERCROMBIE, 43, of Dover, Oklahoma, has been sentenced to serve 18 months in federal prison for committing bank fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public records, from May 2019 through February 2024, Abercrombie was employed as a vice president and loan officer at InterBank in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. During that time, Abercrombie used customers’ personal identifying information to prepare fraudulent loan applications. After the loans were approved, he deposited the proceeds into checking accounts that he controlled which were opened in the customers’ names, all without their knowledge or consent. As a result of the scheme, InterBank suffered a loss of more than $800,000.

On April 1, 2025, Abercrombie was charged by Information with bank fraud. Abercrombie pleaded guilty to the Information on May 15, 2025, and admitted he executed a scheme to defraud InterBank.

At the sentencing hearing on March 2, 2026, U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones, II, sentenced Abercrombie to serve 18 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered Abercrombie to pay $874,893.39 in restitution. In announcing his sentence, Judge Jones noted the seriousness of the offense, the need to provide just punishment, and the importance of deterring others.

This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle London prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – KAYVAN KARYA RASOLKHANI, 46, of Norman, has pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public records, before October 2025, Rasolkhani contacted an undercover FBI agent through an online messaging website, expressing an interest in meeting with the agent to sexually assault the agent’s two fictitious children. On October 15, 2025, the FBI then executed search warrants on Rasolkhani’s person, vehicle, residence, and his workplace, University Liquor, and seized a cell phone that contained videos and images of child pornography. On January 22, 2026, Rasolkhani was charged by Information with possession of child pornography.

Today, Rasolkhani pleaded guilty and admitted he knowingly possessed images containing child pornography, including images of prepubescent minors. At sentencing, Rasolkhani faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Ganz is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – COREY JONES, 48, of New York, has been sentenced to serve an additional 46 months in federal prison for threatening a federal law enforcement officer at the Federal Transfer Center (FTC) in Oklahoma City, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public records, on March 25, 2025, Jones, an inmate at the FTC, threatened to stab and murder an FTC prison guard. At the time, Jones was in federal custody for assaulting federal officers in both the Eastern District of New York and the Northern District of Illinois.

On April 16, 2025, a federal grand jury charged Jones with threatening a federal law enforcement officer. Jones pleaded guilty on September 4, 2025, and admitted he threatened to assault and murder a federal law enforcement officer by stabbing him to death.

At the sentencing hearing on February 18, 2026, U.S. District Judge Jodi W. Dishman sentenced Jones to serve 46 months in federal prison, to run consecutively to his existing prison terms. In announcing her sentence, Judge Dishman noted Jones’s pattern of criminal behavior while incarcerated, including the two prior assaults against federal officers and multiple custodial infractions. Judge Dishman emphasized the need to protect the public from further crimes by Jones.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ Special Investigative Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Hale prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal jury has convicted GUSTAVO DE ALBA, 48, of Los Angeles, California, of drug conspiracy and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to the public record, on June 13, 2025, law enforcement stopped a vehicle being driven by De Alba, on I-40 near Sayre, Oklahoma. After a K-9 unit alerted to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle, law enforcement searched the vehicle and recovered approximately 30 kilograms of methamphetamine stored in a sophisticated after-market compartment concealed behind the backseat. De Alba and the passenger, codefendant WALTER LUIS ZAPATA MANZANARES, 36, also of Los Angeles, California, were arrested.

On July 1, 2025, a federal Grand Jury charged De Alba and Zapata Manzanares with drug conspiracy and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. On February 18, 2026, after a two-day trial, a federal jury found De Alba guilty on both counts. Zapata Manzanares had previously pleaded guilty to a Superseding Information charging drug conspiracy on October 9, 2025.

At sentencing, De Alba faces up to life in federal prison and fines of up to $20 million, and Zapata Manzanares faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Hoch and Drew E. Davis are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – FERNANDO JESUS VILLEGAS, 41, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 77 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public records, on May 21, 2025, the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) responded to a metro church near the intersection of S. Shartel Avenue and SW 25th Street, on reports of an armed intruder. Church members told OCPD that the intruder, later identified as Villegas, forced his way into the basement of the church where there were multiple people, including children, and demanded they help hide him. Witnesses reported that Villegas brandished a handgun, pointing it at a member, and waving it in the air. When officers arrived, Villegas fled from the basement and exited the church but was located and arrested nearby a short time later. During the arrest, officers seized a handgun from his front pocket.

On August 5, 2025, a federal Grand Jury charged Villegas with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Villegas pleaded guilty on October 22, 2025, and admitted he possessed a firearm despite his previous felony convictions.

Public records reflect that Villegas has multiple felony convictions in Oklahoma County District Court, including:

• possession of drug proceeds and possession of marijuana in case number CF-2003-3981;
• possession of methamphetamine in case number CF-2015-1908; and
• possession of methamphetamine and aggravated eluding a police officer in case number CF-2016-364.

At the sentencing hearing on February 18, 2026, U.S. District Judge David L. Russell sentenced Villegas to serve 77 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted its concern for protecting the public considering Villegas’ criminal history.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and OCPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Nichols, Jr., prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal Indictment has been returned charging TAYLOR RYAN PRIGMORE, 30, of McLoud, Oklahoma, with attempting to murder federal law enforcement officers, assaulting federal officers, possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm in the furtherance of a crime of violence, and threatening to murder federal agents and others, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to court records, beginning on May 9, 2025, and continuing through January 17, 2026, a YouTube account holder—alleged to be Prigmore—posted multiple comments on various videos threatening to kill Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and others. Prigmore also threatened to kill any law enforcement officers who came to his residence, stating he wanted to kill “as many as possible.”

On January 19, 2026, the FBI arrested Prigmore. During a brief standoff before his arrest, Prigmore fired multiple rounds at federal agents. No one was injured.

On February 17, 2026, a federal Grand Jury returned an Indictment, charging Prigmore with attempted murder of federal law enforcement, assaulting federal officers, possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm in the furtherance of a crime of violence, four counts of threatening to murder federal law enforcement officers, and two counts of communicating a threat. If found guilty as charged, Prigmore faces up to 100 years in federal prison, and fines of up to $2,250,000.

The public is reminded that these charges are merely allegations, and that the defendant is innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the case, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Arvo Mikkanen and Matt Dillon are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – ISAEL ANTONIO ORTIZ, 27, of Oklahoma City, has been convicted of possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction and witness tampering, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

On January 6, 2026, a federal grand jury charged Ortiz with being a felon in possession of a firearm and witness tampering. On February 10, 2026, a federal jury found Ortiz guilty on both counts. According to the evidence at trial, on October 14, 2024, the Oklahoma City Police Department responded to a report of an assault with a dangerous weapon. The victim told police that Ortiz struck his vehicle outside a local business, breaking the driver’s-side window, and began pulling a gun from his pants. Ortiz then fled the scene after noticing a surveillance camera. Officers later responded to Ortiz’s home, where they detained him, executed a search warrant, and seized a firearm.

Additional evidence at trial showed that, while in custody, Ortiz made several phone calls, sent text messages, and communicated through third parties in an attempt to persuade a witness to falsely claim ownership of the firearm and to state that Ortiz was unaware of its existence.

According to public records, Ortiz has previous felony convictions that include:

• eluding a police officer in Canadian County District Court case number CF-2018-106;
• use of a vehicle in discharge of a weapon, drive-by shooting, illegal possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm while in the commission of a felony in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2019-5007; and
• rioting, second-degree attempted arson, and malicious injury and destruction to property in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2020-2901.

At sentencing, Ortiz faces up to 35 years in federal prison, and fines of up to $500,000.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary E. Walters and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) Laney Ellis are prosecuting the case. SAUSA Ellis is an attorney with the City of Oklahoma City whose position is funded by a federal Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) grant awarded to the City of Oklahoma City to enhance efforts to address and reduce violent crime. PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – JOSE TRINIDAD PEREZ FRAIRE, 38, of Mexico, has been sentenced to serve 105 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute cocaine and being an illegal alien in possession of ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public records, in May 2025, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) obtained information that Fraire was involved in cocaine distribution. On May 14, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Fraire’s residence and discovered approximately three kilograms of cocaine, more than $70,000 in cash, suspected drug ledgers, and ammunition.

On June 26, 2025, Fraire was charged by Information with a drug conspiracy and being an illegal alien in possession of ammunition. Fraire pleaded guilty on July 28, 2025, and admitted he conspired with others to possess and distribute cocaine and knowingly possessed ammunition despite his status as an illegal alien.

At the sentencing hearing on February 5, 2026, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Fraire to serve 105 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Wyrick noted the need for deterrence and to protect the public from further criminal activity.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew E. Davis prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – CHRISTIAN ISMAEL SOTO RETAMOSA, 35, of Oklahoma City, has pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to court records, in March 2024, the mobile messaging application Kik submitted a tip to law enforcement regarding a user distributing videos containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The FBI determined that the user was exchanging CSAM with Retamosa, a registered nurse who was then working in Oklahoma City. Court records further indicate that Retamosa exchanged CSAM with Robert John May III, a former state representative for South Carolina.  May III was charged separately in the District of South Carolina and was recently sentenced to 17 years in federal prison for distributing child pornography.

On February 3, 2026, Retamosa pleaded guilty and admitted he knowingly possessed several electronic devices containing CSAM, including images of prepubescent children.

At sentencing, Retamosa faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, Homeland Security Investigations offices in Columbia, South Carolina, and Oklahoma City, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department in South Carolina. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bow Bottomly.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information. 

OKLAHOMA CITY – LARISHA LARELL WABAUNASEE, 38, of Anadarko, has pleaded guilty to embezzlement and theft from the Caddo Nation, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public records, in September 2023, Wabaunasee was employed by the Caddo Nation and worked in part at the Caddo Nation Tag Office. From October 2023 through November 2024, Wabaunasee diverted customer payments into her personal bank accounts for her own use by creating and using an unsanctioned point-of-sale account. On November 4, 2025, a federal grand jury charged Wabaunasee with embezzlement and theft from an Indian tribal organization. 

“The defendant betrayed the trust of the Caddo Nation and its citizens by diverting customer payments for her own personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “Our office remains committed to working alongside our tribal and federal partners to ensure that those who steal from tribal organizations are held accountable.”

“The Caddo Nation remains focused on healing, accountability and moving forward together as a community,” said Bobby Gonzalez, Chairman of the Caddo Nation. “While this matter involved the actions of a single individual, it also reflects the strength of the systems we have in place to protect the Nation and our people. We appreciate the cooperation and professionalism shown throughout this process and remain committed to transparency, restoration, and the well-being for our community.”

On February 2, 2026, Wabaunasee pleaded guilty and admitted she embezzled and stole from the Caddo Nation Tag Office by diverting customer transactions to her personal accounts. At sentencing, Wabaunasee faces up to five years in federal prison, payment of restitution, and a fine of up to $250,000.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon is prosecuting the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – JOSE EDUARDO SUCHITE-RAMIREZ, 34, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 41 months in federal prison for possession of firearms after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public record, in December 2024, the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) responded to a call alleging workplace harassment and discovered that Suchite-Ramirez, a convicted felon, had several firearms in his possession. A subsequent search of Suchite-Ramirez’s workplace and company-provided vehicle resulted in the seizure of multiple firearms and ammunition.

On February 5, 2025, a federal grand jury charged Suchite-Ramirez with two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Suchite-Ramirez pleaded guilty on June 9, 2025, and admitted he possessed the firearms despite his previous felony convictions. Public record reflects that Suchite-Ramirez has a previous felony conviction in Oklahoma County District Court for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, leaving the scene of an accident with personal injury, and aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol, in case number CF-2019-1071.

At the sentencing hearing on January 21, 2026, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Suchite-Ramirez to serve 41 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Wyrick noted the need for deterrence, adding that Suchite-Ramirez’s prior criminal history did not appear to provide sufficient deterrence.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Nichols, Jr., prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (OTBA), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. This case is also part of “Operation 922,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of OTBA, which prioritizes prosecution of federal crimes connected to domestic violence.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – JOSEPH NICANOR ISEZAKI SAN NICOLAS, 34, of Edmond, has been sentenced to serve 46 months in federal prison for bank fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

“This defendant exploited his access to sensitive financial information to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from unsuspecting customers,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message that those who abuse the financial system for personal gain will be held accountable and face serious consequences.”

“Mr. San Nicolas abused his position of trust within the financial system to enrich himself at the expense of those he was responsible for protecting,” said Christopher J. Altemus, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Dallas Field Office. “This conduct represents a grave violation of the law, and Mr. San Nicolas now faces the serious consequences of those actions. This investigation and the resulting sentence demonstrate the commitment of the women and men of IRS-CI to safeguarding the financial system and holding those who abuse it accountable.”

According to public record, from January 2022 through May 2024, San Nicolas used his position at an Oklahoma-based credit union and later at a banking software provider to access and view private account data for customers. San Nicolas then used customers’ private banking information to make unauthorized withdrawals and payments from multiple victim accounts. In all, San Nicolas stole more than $600,000 from victims at three financial institutions and used the money for personal use, including the purchase of two vehicles.

On August 20, 2025, a federal grand jury charged San Nicolas with bank fraud. San Nicolas pleaded guilty on October 14, 2025, and admitted he knowingly executed a scheme to steal money from victim accounts at the three financial institutions without permission or authorization.

At the sentencing hearing on January 20, 2026, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced San Nicolas to serve 46 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered him to pay restitution in the amount of $242,385.98, the amount of unrecouped losses. In announcing his sentence, Judge Heaton noted the seriousness of the offense and the need to deter others working in the financial system from abusing a position of trust to steal customer money.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jackson D. Eldridge is prosecuting the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A total of 18 defendants have now been sentenced in the culmination of a four-year-long investigation into a drug-trafficking organization (DTO) that specialized in transporting liquid methamphetamine by semi-truck from Mexico, through Texas, to Oklahoma City and elsewhere. According to law enforcement, this DTO moved more than 35,000 pounds of methamphetamine into the U.S. from Mexico at an estimated street value of $64,000,000. In all, the 18 defendants, including eight Mexican nationals, have been sentenced to serve more than 278 years in federal prison collectively.  Robert J. Troester, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma, made the announcement.

“The architects of this international drug-trafficking organization, who peddled more than 17 tons of deadly poison from Mexico into the United States, have now been held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “Coordinated law enforcement efforts led to the dismantling of this large-scale criminal enterprise and have protected Oklahomans from the death and destruction caused by these drugs. I commend the investigators and prosecutors for their tireless work on this case.”

“Collaboration between the FBI and our law enforcement partners is key to disrupting the criminal organizations that pollute our communities with dangerous drugs,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater. “By sending 18 associates of this high-volume drug-trafficking operation to prison, there is no question this joint effort has made Oklahoma neighborhoods and citizens much safer.”

The four-year operation came to a head on December 17, 2024, when JUAN HERNANDEZ FLORES, 50, of Oklahoma City, was charged along with six others, including JESSICA GUADALUPE MUNIZ, 33, of Oklahoma City; CESAR AZAMAR AGUILAR, 53, of Mexico; and DENIS LEAL GUTIERREZ, 59, and ADRIAN NARVAEZ CRUZ, 58, of Texas, for their roles in the DTO. Gutierrez, Azamar, and Narvaez were charged with a drug conspiracy, while Hernandez and Muniz were charged with a money laundering conspiracy, as well as both domestic and international money laundering.  All five went to trial together.

On April 18, 2025, following a nine-day trial, a federal jury convicted the defendants on all counts. 

According to evidence presented at trial, since at least February 2021, members of this Mexico-based DTO were importing liquid methamphetamine into the U.S. hidden in the gas tanks of semi-trucks. Gutierrez ran two trucking companies—DGC Express Co. and Dare Express Co.—that were responsible for transporting shipments of liquid methamphetamine to Oklahoma. Gutierrez was aided in his drug distribution by Azamar, who facilitated the transfer of the liquid methamphetamine between trucks, and Narvaez, who instructed the drivers on where to deliver the liquid methamphetamine.

During the investigation, law enforcement seized significant amounts of methamphetamine associated with this DTO, including:

•        907 kilograms on March 3, 2021, in Tecumseh, Oklahoma;

•        92 kilograms on September 6, 2023, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma;

•        615 kilograms on December 8, 2023, in Wellston, Oklahoma;

•        42 kilograms on April 1, 2024, in Tecumseh, Oklahoma; and

•        86 kilograms on April 2, 2024, in Newalla, Oklahoma.

Law enforcement also seized a 2015 Freightliner Cascadia Semi-Truck, multiple firearms, tens of thousands of dollars in U.S. Currency, and real estate located in Wellston, Oklahoma and Edinburg, Texas.

Evidence at trial also established that the DTO engaged in extensive money laundering activities. A high-ranking, Mexico-based member of this DTO directed family members in Oklahoma, including his brother Hernandez and his niece Muniz, to launder drug proceeds on his behalf. Testimony and other evidence, including CashApp records, international wire remitter service records, and records from the Federal Bureau of Prisons and Oklahoma Department of Corrections, also established that this DTO supplied methamphetamine to Oklahoma prison gangs, including the Irish Mob Gang, the Universal Aryan Brotherhood, and the Sureños. These gang members or their associates sent payments for methamphetamine disguised as CashApp payments to Hernandez and Muniz, who then wired the money to close associates of the DTO’s head in Mexico.

The defendants charged above and in other related cases have been sentenced as follows:

• JUAN HERNANDEZ FLORES, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 144 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for money laundering conspiracy, three counts of domestic money laundering, and three counts of international money laundering;
• JESSICA GUADALUPE MUNIZ, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 24 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for money laundering conspiracy, domestic money laundering, and international money laundering;
• DENIS LEAL GUTIERREZ, of Texas, was sentenced to serve 420 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy;
• CESAR AZAMAR AGUILAR, of Mexico, was sentenced to serve 97 months in federal prison for two counts of drug conspiracy;
• ADRIAN NARVAEZ CRUZ, of Texas, was sentenced to serve 372 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy;
• EVER ALONSO PANDO, 48, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 96 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for two counts of maintaining a drug-involved premises;
• HECTOR QUINONEZ REYES, 44, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 90 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute;
• ADAN GARCIA MIRANDA, 30, of Texas, was sentenced to serve 156 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy;
• JORGE RAUL VEGA GARCIA, 31, of Mexico, was sentenced to serve 180 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute;
• LUIS ALBERTO ROJAS PRECIADO, 28, of Illinois, was sentenced to serve 168 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy;
• JOSE ALFREDO EQUIHUA, 40, of Mexico, was sentenced to serve 228 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiring to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute;
• EDGAR RODRIGUEZ ONTIVEROS, 33, of Mexico, was sentenced to serve 168 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy;
• ADRIAN PEREZ, 40, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 228 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Public record shows that Perez has previous felony convictions that include being a felon in possession of a firearm in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2022-4831 and using a vehicle to facilitate the intentional discharge of a firearm in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2003-1656;
• PHILLIP RAY HOWARD, 54, of Newalla, Oklahoma, was sentenced to serve 84 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Public record shows that Howard has previous felony convictions that include possession of cocaine with intent to distribute in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2005-878;
• RAY DAVID LARA, JR., 45, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 300 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute;
• HERIBERTO DONAN OCHOA, 34, of Mexico, was sentenced to serve 228 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute;
• BRAULIO PADILLA, 51, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 264 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Public record reflects that Padilla has several felony convictions, including for possession of a controlled dangerous substance in the presence of a child under 12 and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute in Oklahoma County District Court case numbers CF-2010-4880 and CF-2019-155, respectively; and
• MICHAEL J. ESTRADA, 37, of Chicago, was sentenced to serve 72 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in conjunction with the Oklahoma City Police Department and the Oklahoma Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Snyder prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

Note: View complaint here.

A federal criminal complaint has been unsealed charging Taylor Ryan Prigmore, 30, of McLoud, Oklahoma, with threatening to kill federal agents and others.

“As attacks on law enforcement rise around the country, this Department of Justice will continue to identify and prosecute violent threats against the brave men and women who keep us safe,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Hiding behind a screen will not protect you from severe legal consequences.”

“This individual allegedly made statements that he would kill ICE agents and others. If you threaten to harm law enforcement officers, the FBI and our partners will find you and hold you accountable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “There will be no free passes for threats against the hard-working men and women who wear the badge and protect our communities.”

According to court records, on Jan. 17, the FBI received information from Google regarding several threatening statements made by a YouTube user. The YouTube account holder — alleged to be Prigmore — posted several comments on videos between May 9, 2025, and Jan. 17 threatening to kill Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and others. Court records further reflect that Prigmore left eight threatening comments last week alone expressing his desire to kill federal agents and others. Prigmore also threatened to kill any law enforcement officers that came to his residence, stating he would kill “as many as possible.”

On Jan. 19, Prigmore was charged by complaint with communicating a threat through interstate commerce. He was arrested by the FBI the same day. He appeared yesterday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Western District of Oklahoma and was ordered detained pending trial. If found guilty as charged, Prigmore faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma joined in making today’s announcement.

The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the case, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Arvo Mikkanen and Matt Dillon for the Western District of Oklahoma are prosecuting the case.

A complaint merely contains allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal criminal complaint has been unsealed charging TAYLOR RYAN PRIGMORE, 30, of McLoud, Oklahoma, with threatening to kill federal agents and others, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

“As attacks on law enforcement rise around the country, this Department of Justice will continue to identify and prosecute violent threats against the brave men and women who keep us safe,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Hiding behind a screen will not protect you from severe legal consequences.”

“This individual allegedly made statements that he would kill ICE agents and others. If you threaten to harm law enforcement officers, the FBI and our partners will find you and hold you accountable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “There will be no free passes for threats against the hard-working men and women who wear the badge and protect our communities.”

According to court records, on January 17, 2026, the FBI received information from Google regarding several threatening statements made by a YouTube user. The YouTube account holder—alleged to be Prigmore—posted several comments on videos between May 9, 2025, and January 17, 2026, threatening to kill Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and others.  Court records further reflect that Prigmore left eight threatening comments last week alone expressing his desire to kill federal agents and others.  Prigmore also threatened to kill any law enforcement officers who came to his residence, stating he would kill “as many as possible.”

On January 19, 2026, Prigmore was charged by Complaint with communicating a threat through interstate commerce. He was arrested by the FBI the same day. He appeared before a U.S. Magistrate Judge yesterday and was ordered detained pending trial. If found guilty as charged, Prigmore faces up to five years in federal prison, and a fine of up to $250,000.

The public is reminded that this charge is merely an allegation, and that the defendant is innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the case, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Arvo Mikkanen and Matt Dillon are prosecuting the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

The federal criminal complaint can be accessed here.

OKLAHOMA CITY – DOYLE GLEN WILSON, 59, of Ponca City, has been convicted by a federal jury of possession of an unregistered firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

On October 7, 2025, a federal grand jury charged Wilson with possession of an unregistered firearm. Testimony presented earlier this week at trial showed that on July 11, 2025, officers with the Ponca City Police Department executed a search warrant at Wilson’s home while searching for a short-barreled shotgun used in an assault. Officers located the shotgun in a closet. Under federal law, possession of a short-barreled shotgun requires that the firearm be registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Wilson had not registered the short-barreled shotgun found in his residence. 

On January 14, 2026, a federal jury found Wilson guilty of illegally possessing an unregistered firearm.

At sentencing, Wilson faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Ponca City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Gridley and Cole McFerren are prosecuting the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – CLEVELAND DAVID HALL, II, 43, of Marietta, Georgia, has been convicted of possessing a firearm after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

On September 2, 2025, a federal grand jury sitting in the Western District of Oklahoma charged Hall with being a prior convicted felon in possession of a firearm. On January 13, 2026, a federal jury found Hall guilty. Testimony at trial showed that on August 5, 2025, a deputy with the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by Hall on Interstate 40 in Oklahoma City. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, law enforcement recovered a firearm.

Public record reflects that Hall has a prior federal conviction in the Southern District of Georgia for drug conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances in case number 11-CR-270.

At sentencing, Hall faces up to 15 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office, and Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Hoch and Drew E. Davis are prosecuting the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – ROBERT LEE HARRISON JR., 52, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve the statutory maximum 660 months in federal prison for attempted kidnapping, illegal possession of ammunition, and attempted carjacking, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

On April 6, 2022, a federal grand jury charged Harrison with illegal possession of ammunition, carjacking, kidnapping, and use and discharge of a firearm during the carjacking. On January 11, 2023, Harrison was tried by a federal jury and found guilty on all counts. Harrison received a life sentence on October 24, 2023.

On appeal, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the kidnapping and use and discharge of a firearm during the carjacking convictions due to changes in the law and authorized a retrial on the charge of attempted kidnapping.

On July 30, 2025, at the retrial, a federal jury convicted Harrison of attempted kidnapping. At the trials, Harrison’s ex-girlfriend testified that he forced her into her car at gunpoint as she left work at the Integris Baptist Medical Center parking garage in Oklahoma City. Evidence further showed that Harrison confined her in the car and repeatedly punched her before she escaped. Harrison then caught her in the elevator lobby of the parking garage, where he shot her approximately eight times before he fled. The following day, Oklahoma City Police Department officers arrested Harrison after a brief foot chase.

At a sentencing hearing on January 12, 2026, U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones, II, sentenced Harrison to serve 660 months in federal prison and ordered Harrison to pay restitution in the amount of $13,907.41. In announcing his sentence, Judge Jones noted the defendant’s criminal history, his lack of remorse, and the fact that he was at a heightened risk of future conduct because of the “violent and horrific” offense.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma City Police Department, with assistance from the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Nichols, Jr. and Jacquelyn Hutzell prosecuted the case.

This case is part of “Operation 922” and operation “Shots Fired,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of Project Safe Neighborhoods, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. “Operation 922” prioritizes prosecution of federal firearms violations connected to domestic violence. “Shots Fired” targets cases involving individuals who discharge firearms as part of their criminal activity, such as drive-by shootings or when shots are fired during robberies, domestic disputes, or other incidents. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://justice.gov/psn.

Reference is made to court filings for further information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – COLT TRAVIS GLADDING, SR., 42, of Coyle, Oklahoma, has been sentenced to serve 348 months in federal prison for production of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public record, on July 15, 2024, officers with the Troy Police Department (TPD) in Troy, New Hampshire, received a report regarding the sexual abuse of a minor. The minor reported she was sexually abused by Gladding several times over a two-year period while she lived in Coyle, OK. Gladding also coerced the victim to send him sexually explicit photos.

On May 20, 2025, a federal Grand Jury charged Gladding with production of child pornography. Gladding pleaded guilty on August 6, 2025, and admitted he persuaded a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography.

At a sentencing hearing on January 12, 2026, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Gladding to serve 348 months in federal prison, followed by ten years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Heaton noted the serious nature of the offense and the need to protect the public, emphasizing Gladding’s continued, consistent abuse of the victim over nearly two years.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Troy Police Department, Logan County Sheriff’s Office, and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon prosecuted the case.

This case is also part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – GUSTAVO GORDILLO, 42, of Guatemala, has been sentenced to serve 292 months in federal prison for production of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

In July 2020, public record reflects that Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) investigators received a cyber tip after files containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) were uploaded to a Google Photos account. The investigation revealed that the individual who uploaded the files, later determined to be Gordillo, lived in Oklahoma City. The investigation also revealed that Gordillo had communicated with and sent CSAM to multiple children. One child, who lived out of state, produced CSAM of herself at Gordillo's direction and sent the CSAM to Gordillo.

On January 29, 2025, Gordillo was arrested by Homeland Security Investigations and OCPD. Public record reflects that Gordillo previously entered the United States on a temporary visa, but that visa had expired.

On February 20, 2025, a federal grand jury charged Gordillo with production of child pornography. Gordillo pleaded guilty on June 12, 2025, and admitted he used a child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing CSAM.

At a sentencing hearing on January 7, 2026, U.S. District Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti sentenced Gordillo to serve 292 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the history and characteristics of the defendant and the need to protect the public from Gordillo, noting that he was a sexual predator who sought out young girls for the purpose of creating child pornography.

This case is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – BRENDON SHEA COOPER, 38, of Warr Acres, has been sentenced to serve 120 months in federal prison for possession of and access with intent to view material containing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

During the summer of 2024, public records reflect the FBI investigated an Internet Protocol (IP) address suspected of making available child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to others through a file-sharing website. Investigators traced the IP address to a Warr Acres residence and ultimately to a cellular phone owned by Cooper, on which law enforcement located files depicting CSAM.

On October 15, 2024, a federal grand jury charged Cooper with possession of and access with intent to view material containing child pornography. Cooper pleaded guilty on June 12, 2025, and admitted that he possessed CSAM, including images depicting prepubescent children, on his cellular phone.

At a sentencing hearing on January 6, 2026, U.S. District Judge Charles Goodwin sentenced Cooper to serve 10 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, Judge Goodwin noted the seriousness of the offense and the need to deter Cooper from future crimes. 

This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office with assistance from the Warr Acres Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – KEANO DENZELL THREATS, 26, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 57 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public record, on March 29, 2023, Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to an apartment on a reported assault. At the residence, OCPD spoke with a victim who reported that Threats had pointed a firearm at him, threatened him, and fired the weapon near his head. Threats was taken into custody, and officers recovered a firearm from the apartment.

On May 3, 2023, a federal grand jury charged Threats with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Threats pleaded guilty on July 15, 2025, and admitted that he possessed a firearm despite his felony conviction. Federal law prohibits felons from possessing firearms or ammunition.

At a sentencing hearing on January 6, 2026, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Threats to serve 57 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the need to protect the public from further crimes of Threats and his history and characteristics. 

Public record reflects that Threats has previous felony convictions in Oklahoma County District Court, including convictions for assault and battery on a juvenile affairs officer in case number CF-2017-3225, and domestic abuse by strangulation and domestic abuse in the presence of a child in case number CF-2019-4220.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and OCPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary E. Walters prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation 922 and Operation Shots Fired, the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Operation 922 prioritizes prosecution of federal firearms violations connected to domestic violence. Operation Shots Fired targets cases involving individuals who discharge firearms as part of their criminal activity, including drive-by shootings or shots fired during robberies, domestic disputes, or other incidents. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit justice.gov/psn.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – ROBERT WILLIAMS, 32, of Washington, D.C., has been sentenced to serve 96 additional months in federal prison for indecent exposure at the Federal Transfer Center (FTC) in Oklahoma City, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public record, on March 6, 2025, Williams, an inmate at the FTC, lewdly exposed his genitals to a female correctional officer while making a suggestive comment. At the time, Williams was in federal custody for burglary and firearms offenses. On April 1, 2025, a federal grand jury charged Williams with indecent exposure. Williams pleaded guilty on July 25, 2025, and admitted he exposed himself in a public place where other persons were present and could be offended or annoyed by his conduct.

At a sentencing hearing on December 17, 2025, U.S. District Court Judge Scott L. Palk sentenced Williams to serve 96 months in federal prison, to run consecutively to his existing prison term, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Palk noted the need for the sentence to reflect the seriousness of the offense and promote respect for the law. Judge Palk also noted William’s history and characteristics, which included multiple instances of indecent exposure and committing acts of violence while in custody.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ Special Investigative Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Hale prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information. 

205 Child Victims Located and 293 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in Nationwide Crackdown, Including One in the Western District of Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. The nationwide crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country.

“We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Our federal agents have worked tirelessly alongside our state and local partners to track down these vile predators, and now our prosecutors will ensure they receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes."

“Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This year, the FBI has led multiple nationwide surges across the U.S. to find and arrest hundreds of child predators. We will not stop until every child can live a life free of exploitation. We will utilize the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners to protect communities across the nation from such horrific crimes.” 

“Those who exploit children cause immeasurable damage to victims and families,” said United States Attorney Robert J. Troester. “These crimes inflict lasting trauma and undermine the safety of our communities. Through close collaboration with the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country, we remain committed to protecting children, supporting victims, and pursuing justice for those harmed by these offenses.”

"The FBI in Oklahoma will continue to aggressively pursue those involved in exploiting our children," said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater. "I am proud of our work, and the work of our partners to hold perpetrators of any crime against a child accountable. The work is not done. As long as there are criminals harming or exploiting children, the FBI will be there working to put them in prison where they belong."

CHRISTIAN NATHANIEL RAFFORD, 40, of Midwest City, has been charged with possession of and accessing with intent to view material containing child pornography and receipt of child pornography. If found guilty, Rafford faces no less than five, and up to 40 years in federal prison, and fines of up to $250,000 for each charge. 

Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material; online enticement and transportation of minors; and child sex trafficking. Some of the alleged offenders include an airman out of Dallas, TX, who was arrested with his wife for producing child sex abuse material (CSAM), as well as a Police Officer from Raleigh, NC, who distributed CSAM to an undercover officer while discussing his interest in engaging in sexual contact with children. In another case involving enticement of a minor, the Miami Field Office arrested a Guatemalan national who was previously deported in 2011, and had previous arrests for battery, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and carrying a concealed weapon.

As sextortion cases continue to rise, this operation highlights arrests of individuals who target vulnerable children online including the five leaders of Greggy’s Cult, as well as a Virginia man who persuaded a 14-year-old to produce CSAM.  The victim attempted suicide after he allegedly told her to kill herself.  

This effort follows Operation Restore Justice in May, which resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders, including two from the Western District of Oklahoma. 

The FBI's Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted victims during this operation and provided services, to include forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience.

These operations underscore the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. attorneys’ offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit justice.gov/psc.

The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.

The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.

An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

OKLAHOMA CITY – BRADEN BIRDSONG, 28, of Oklahoma City, appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Bernard Jones for the Western District of Oklahoma today and was sentenced to serve 120 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to a federal hate crime violation. 

According to filed plea documents and today’s court hearing, on August 25, 2023, Birdsong, a white man, attacked D.G., a Black man, while D.G. was cleaning the parking lot of the Oklahoma City restaurant at which he worked. Birdsong used racial slurs and other anti-Black rhetoric as he punched D.G. in the head multiple times. D.G. suffered bodily injury because of the attack. Birdsong admitted that he assaulted D.G. because of D.G.’s race and color.  

“This defendant’s actions were driven by hate and resulted in a violent attack against a victim targeted simply because of his race,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “Crimes motivated by hate threaten the safety and dignity of our communities and will be met with firm accountability. The Justice Department remains committed to enforcing federal civil rights laws and protecting individuals from hate-based violence. I commend our law enforcement partners and prosecutors for their dedication to seeking justice in this case.”

“There is no place in our society for the hatred and prejudice that fueled this vicious attack, and no one should fear being targeted simply because of who they are or what they look like,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater. “We hope today’s sentencing brings some measure of justice to the victim of this senseless act of violence.”

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma, and Special Agent in Charge Douglas M. Goodwater of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia E. Barry for the Western District of Oklahoma and Trial Attorney Taylor Payne of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case. 

Braden Birdsong, 28, of Oklahoma City, appeared before U.S. District Court Judge Bernard Jones for the Western District of Oklahoma today and was sentenced to serve 120 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to a federal hate crime violation.

According to filed plea documents and today’s court hearing, on August 25, 2023, Birdsong, a white man, attacked D.G., a Black man, while D.G. was cleaning the parking lot of the Oklahoma City restaurant at which he worked. Birdsong used racial slurs and other anti-Black rhetoric as he punched D.G. in the head multiple times. D.G. suffered bodily injury because of the attack. Birdsong admitted that he assaulted D.G. because of D.G.’s race and color.

“This defendant’s actions were driven by hate and resulted in a violent attack against a victim targeted simply because of his race,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma. “Crimes motivated by hate threaten the safety and dignity of our communities and will be met with firm accountability. The Justice Department remains committed to enforcing federal civil rights laws and protecting individuals from hate-based violence. I commend our law enforcement partners and prosecutors for their dedication to seeking justice in this case.”

“There is no place in our society for the hatred and prejudice that fueled this vicious attack, and no one should fear being targeted simply because of who they are or what they look like,” said Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. “We hope today’s sentencing brings some measure of justice to the victim of this senseless act of violence.”

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma, and Special Agent in Charge Douglas M. Goodwater of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia E. Barry for the Western District of Oklahoma and Trial Attorney Taylor Payne of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.

OKLAHOMA CITY – BRYAN JOSHUA TEWANEMA, 32, of Arizona, has been sentenced to serve 132 months in federal prison for possessing a prohibited object at the Federal Transfer Center (FTC) in Oklahoma City and for assault with a dangerous weapon and possessing a prohibited object at the Grady County Jail, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

“This case demonstrates that the danger posed to corrections staff and inmates does not evaporate simply because they are behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “We appreciate the important work performed by corrections officers every day, and our office will continue to hold inmates accountable if they assault or present a danger to corrections staff or other inmates.”

According to public record, on May 29, 2024, corrections officers with the FTC discovered a sharpened piece of plexiglass, a “shank,” hidden in Tewanema’s pant leg. Evidence at trial indicated that this incident was the fourth time a “shank” had been located either on Tewanema’s person or in a cell assigned to him. At the time, Tewanema was in federal custody as part of a 355-month prison sentence for second-degree murder and use of a firearm during a crime of violence in Indian Country following his conviction in the District of Arizona in case number CR-17-08223.

On July 17, 2024, a federal grand jury charged Tewanema with possession of a prohibited object. On December 4, 2024, after a two-day trial, a federal jury found Tewanema guilty of the charge.

While awaiting sentencing in the case described above, and while temporarily being housed at the Grady County Jail while in United States Marshals custody, court records show that on March 31, 2025, Tewanema stabbed a fellow inmate with another “shank.”

On April 16, 2025, a federal grand jury charged Tewanema with assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a prohibited object. On July 9, 2025, following another two-day trial, a federal jury found Tewanema guilty of both charges. The assault charge is in federal court because Tewanema is a member of the Navajo Nation and the crime occurred within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation.

At a sentencing hearing on December 18, 2025, Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti sentenced Tewanema to serve 132 months in federal prison, to run consecutive to his ongoing federal sentence.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ Special Investigative Services and the Grady County Criminal Justice Authority. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany Edgmon and Jordan Ganz prosecuted both cases.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – LEE GRANT CLARK, 78, of Stillwater, has pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual abuse and production, receipt, and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public record, in October 2024, FBI agents began investigating a computer user requesting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) through a file-sharing website. An investigation into the IP address of the user led authorities to Clark’s home in Stillwater. FBI agents spoke with officers from the Stillwater Police Department, who alerted the agents of a report involving Clark’s alleged sexual abuse of two minors around 2004. Court records further show that Clark produced CSAM on at least two occasions and sexually abused minors under the age of 12.

On December 3, 2025, a federal Grand Jury returned a Superseding Indictment, charging Clark with two counts of production of child pornography and one count each of aggravated sexual abuse, receipt of child pornography, and possession of material containing child pornography. On December 16, 2025, Clark pleaded guilty to all charges in the Superseding Indictment. He admitted he sexually exploited two minors for the purpose of creating CSAM, that he crossed state lines to sexually abuse two minors, that he knowingly received CSAM via the internet, and that he possessed hard drives containing CSAM.

At sentencing, Clark faces not less than ten years and up to life in federal prison. He also faces fines of up to $250,000 for each count.

This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office and the Stillwater Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jordan Ganz and Brandon Hale are prosecuting the case.

This case is also part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – JESSE WAYNE JAMES KEENAN, 19, of Duncan, has been sentenced to serve a total of 240 months in federal prison for voluntary manslaughter and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public record, on July 19, 2024, officers with the Duncan Police Department (DPD) responded to an apartment complex on a reported shooting. At the apartment, DPD located a male victim who had been shot. DPD attempted to provide medical care, but the victim died at the scene. Witnesses at the complex identified Keenan as the person who fired the weapon. Law enforcement located and arrested him a short time later. After speaking with Keenan, FBI agents learned Keenan went to the apartment complex after an argument between him and his girlfriend. Following his arrival, a fight ensued between him and the victim. During the altercation, Keenan shot the victim with a pistol and fled from the scene. The pistol was later recovered by the FBI.

On April 7, 2025, Keenan was charged by Superseding Information with one count of voluntary manslaughter and one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Keenan pleaded guilty on May 1, 2025, and admitted that during a quarrel, he intentionally and unlawfully shot the victim, while intending to cause serious bodily injury, which resulted in the victim’s death.

At a sentencing hearing on December 12, 2025, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Keenan to serve 120 months in federal prison for each count, to run consecutively, followed by four years of supervised release, and ordered Keenan to pay $7,500 in restitution. In announcing his sentence, Judge Wyrick noted the nature and circumstances of the offense and the need to protect the public from future crimes of Keenan.

This case is in federal court because Keenan is a member of the Choctaw Nation, and the crime occurred within the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation.

This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Duncan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany Edgmon and Bow Bottomly prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – DESHANE GANARRO JEFFERSON, 35, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 110 months in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public record, on April 2, 2025, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) attempted a traffic stop on a car near SE 15th and South Sunnylane Avenue. The driver failed to stop and a high-speed chase ensued. During the chase, Jefferson, who was a passenger, threw a loaded magazine out of the window, which was later recovered by law enforcement. OCPD then successfully stopped the vehicle, arrested the driver and Jefferson, and seized a firearm belonging to Jefferson.

On May 6, 2025, a federal Grand Jury charged Jefferson with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Jefferson pleaded guilty on August 5, 2025, and admitted he possessed both the firearm and ammunition despite his previous felony convictions.

At the sentencing hearing on December 9, 2025, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Jefferson to serve 110 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the danger Jefferson poses to the community and his extensive criminal history.

Public record reflects that Jefferson has previous felony convictions that include conspiracy to commit felony assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, possession of firearms after conviction, and knowingly concealing stolen property in Jackson County District Court case number CF-2016-225; larceny from a person at night in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2014-8652; and second-degree burglary in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2013-6923.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and OCPD. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) Laney Ellis prosecuted the case. SAUSA Ellis is an attorney with City of Oklahoma City whose position is funded by a federal Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) grant awarded to the City of Oklahoma City to enhance efforts to address and reduce violent crime. PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – DANIEL CERON-CERON, 38, of Mexico, has been sentenced to serve 37 months in federal prison for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm and for illegally reentering the United States after a previous removal, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to public record, on November 22, 2024, officers with the Edmond Police Department (EPD) responded to a home on reports of a domestic incident. At the home, the victim told officers she and Ceron-Ceron had gotten into an argument, during which Ceron-Ceron pointed a gun at her head and put it in her mouth. After a standoff at the house, Ceron-Ceron was arrested, and EPD seized the weapon used by Ceron-Ceron during the assault. Public record further reflects that Ceron-Ceron was previously removed from the United States to Mexico on September 23, 2020. 

On March 4, 2025, a federal Grand Jury charged Ceron-Ceron with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm and with illegal reentry of a removed alien. Ceron-Ceron pleaded guilty on May 7, 2025, and admitted he possessed the weapon despite his unlawful presence in the United States and that he knowingly and illegally reentered the United States. 

At the sentencing hearing on December 10, 2025, U.S. District Judge Jodi W. Dishman sentenced Ceron-Ceron to serve 37 months in federal prison. In announcing her sentence, Judge Dishman noted the nature and circumstances of the offense, the need to protect the public, and the need to deter Ceron-Ceron from future crimes. 

This case is the result of an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Edmond Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon prosecuted the case. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal grand jury Indictment has been unsealed, charging TASHELLA SHERI AMORE DICKERSON, 52, of Oklahoma City, with wire fraud and money laundering, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

According to the Indictment, beginning in at least 2016, Dickerson served as the Executive Director of Black Lives Matter OKC (BLMOKC). As Executive Director, Dickerson had access to BLMOKC’s bank, PayPal, and Cash App accounts.

The Indictment alleges that, although BLMOKC was not a registered tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, it accepted charitable donations through its affiliation with the Alliance for Global Justice (AFGJ), based in Arizona. AFGJ served as a fiscal sponsor to BLMOKC and required BLMOKC to use its funds only as permitted by Section 501(c)(3). AFGJ also required BLMOKC to fully account upon request for the disbursement of all funds received and prohibited BLMOKC from using its funds to purchase real estate without AFGJ’s consent.

Beginning in late spring 2020, BLMOKC raised funds to support its social justice mission from online donors, as well as from national bail funds. In total, BLMOKC raised more than $5.6 million, which included grants from national bail funds, including the Community Justice Exchange, Massachusetts Bail Fund, and Minnesota Freedom Fund. Most of those funds were routed through AFGJ, as fiscal sponsor, to BLMOKC.

According to the Indictment, BLMOKC was supposed to use these national bail fund grants to post pretrial bail for individuals arrested in connection with protests for racial justice after the death of George Floyd. When bail funds were returned to BLMOKC, the national bail funds sometimes allowed BLMOKC to keep all or a portion of the grant funding to establish a revolving bail fund, or for BLMOKC’s social justice mission, as permitted by Section 501(c)(3).

Despite the stated purpose of the money raised, and the terms and conditions of the grants, the Indictment alleges that beginning in June 2020 and continuing through at least October 2025, Dickerson embezzled funds from BLMOKC’s accounts for her personal benefit.  The Indictment alleges Dickerson deposited at least $3.15 million in returned bail checks into her personal accounts, rather than into BLMOKC’s accounts. Among other things, Dickerson then used these funds to pay for:

• recreational travel to Jamaica and the Dominican Republic for herself and her associates;
• tens of thousands of dollars in retail shopping;
• at least $50,000 in food and grocery deliveries for herself and her children;
• a personal vehicle registered in her name; and
• six real properties in Oklahoma City deeded in her own name or in the name Equity International, LLC, an entity she exclusively controlled.

The Indictment further alleges that Dickerson used interstate wire communications to submit two false annual reports to AFGJ on behalf of BLMOKC. Dickerson reported that she had used BLMOKC funds only for tax-exempt purposes. She did not disclose that she used funds for her personal benefit.

On December 3, 2025, a federal Grand Jury returned a 25-count Indictment, charging Dickerson with 20 counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering. For each count of wire fraud, Dickerson faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and a fine of up to $250,000. For each count of money laundering, Dickerson faces up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the amount of the criminally derived property involved in the transaction.

The public is reminded that these charges are merely allegations, and that Dickerson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office and IRS-Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matt Dillon and Jessica L. Perry are prosecuting the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – JOSEPH FRANCIS BUTLER, 35, of Illinois, has been sentenced to serve an additional 360 months in federal prison for committing aggravated sexual abuse at the Federal Transfer Center (FTC) in Oklahoma City, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.

“Incarceration in a federal prison does not negate the protection of inmates from sexual or violent assaults by other inmates,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “This sentence for Mr. Butler to serve an additional three decades in prison sends a clear message that serious consequences await those who prey on fellow inmates.”

According to public record and evidence presented at trial, on June 4, 2023, Butler, an inmate at the FTC, entered the cell of another inmate and sexually assaulted him. During the sexual assault, Butler held a shank to the victim’s neck and side. At the time, Butler was in federal custody as part of a 125-month prison sentence for being a felon in possession of a firearm following his conviction in the District of Minnesota in case number 22-CR-304.

On July 17, 2024, a federal Grand Jury charged Butler with aggravated sexual abuse. On March 14, 2025, after a four-day trial, a jury found Butler guilty.

At the sentencing hearing yesterday, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Butler to serve 360 months in federal prison, to run consecutively to his existing prison term, followed by ten years of supervised release.  In announcing the sentence, Judge Wyrick noted the nature and seriousness of the offense and Butler’s criminal history.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ Special Investigative Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany Edgmon and Brandon Hale prosecuted the case.

Reference is made to public filings for additional information.

OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal grand jury in the Western District of Oklahoma has returned an indictment charging the former President and Chief Executive Officer of the First National Bank of Lindsay, DANNY SEIBEL, 54, of Lindsay, Oklahoma, for his role in a conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, making false entries in the books and records of a financial institution, obstructing the examination of a financial institution and failing to implement an anti-money laundering program.

According to the indictment, Seibel served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the First National Bank of Lindsay from in or about February 2007 until his termination in September 2024. Seibel also held other management roles at the bank during that time, including Chief Financial Officer and Bank Secrecy Act Officer. As alleged, Seibel caused the bank to issue loans to certain customers, many of whom were his personal friends and neighbors, that the borrowers never repaid. It is alleged that Seibel then manipulated the bank’s records and falsified various bank reports to falsely overstate the performance of the loans, including by using new loans or transfers of the bank’s own funds to cover overdrafts of outstanding loans.

The indictment alleges that Seibel frequently modified bank records to conceal this activity from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), which was the bank’s federal regulator, as well as from the bank’s Board of Directors and others. During the summer of 2024, when the OCC was conducting an onsite examination at the bank, Seibel allegedly provided OCC staff with a false document that concealed hundreds of changes that Seibel had made to loan data. The indictment also alleges that Seibel failed to implement an anti-money laundering program at the bank as required by the Bank Secrecy Act. For example, Seibel allegedly failed to file any suspicious activity reports on his own fraudulent scheme, and he advised Bank customers to make cash deposits below $10,000 to avoid relevant reporting requirements.

The OCC appointed a receiver for the bank in October 2024.

If convicted, Seibel faces up to 30 years in federal prison, and a fine of up to $1,000,000.  

Making the announcement today are Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma; Acting Special Agent in Charge Joseph Melle of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG); Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Oklahoma City Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Christopher Altemus of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI); and Special Agent in Charge Korey Brinkman of the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of the Inspector General (FHFA-OIG).

FDIC-OIG, FBI, IRS-CI and FHFA-OIG are investigating the case.

Western District of Oklahoma Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julia E. Barry and Jackson D. Eldridge are prosecuting the case along with Trial Attorneys Mark Goldberg, Ryan McLaren, and Elysa Wan of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section.  The Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section’s Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers, and employees whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

A federal grand jury in the Western District of Oklahoma returned an indictment yesterday charging the former President and Chief Executive Officer of the First National Bank of Lindsay for his role in a conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, making false entries in the books and records of a financial institution, obstructing the examination of a financial institution and failing to implement an anti-money laundering program.

According to the indictment, Danny Seibel, 54, of Lindsay, Oklahoma, served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the First National Bank of Lindsay from in or about February 2007 until his termination in September 2024. Seibel also held other management roles at the bank during that time, including Chief Financial Officer and Bank Secrecy Act Officer. As alleged, Seibel caused the bank to issue loans to certain customers, many of whom were his personal friends and neighbors, that the borrowers never repaid. Seibel then allegedly manipulated the bank’s records and falsified various bank reports to falsely overstate the performance of the loans, including by using new loans or transfers of the bank’s own funds to cover overdrafts of outstanding loans.

The indictment alleges that Seibel frequently modified bank records to conceal this activity from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), which was the bank’s federal regulator, as well as from the bank’s Board of Directors and others. During the summer of 2024, when the OCC was conducting an onsite examination at the bank, Seibel allegedly provided OCC staff with a false document that concealed hundreds of changes that Seibel had made to loan data. The indictment also alleges that Seibel failed to implement an anti-money laundering program at the bank as required by the Bank Secrecy Act. For example, Seibel allegedly failed to file any suspicious activity reports on his own fraudulent scheme, and he advised Bank customers to make cash deposits below $10,000 to avoid relevant reporting requirements.

The OCC appointed a receiver for the bank in October 2024.

If convicted, Seibel faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, and a fine of up to $1 million.  

Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma; Acting Special Agent in Charge Joseph Melle of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG); Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Christopher Altemus of IRS Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI); and Special Agent in Charge Korey Brinkman of the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of the Inspector General (FHFA-OIG) made the announcement.

FDIC-OIG, FBI, IRS-CI and FHFA-OIG are investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys Mark Goldberg, Ryan McLaren and Elysa Wan of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section; and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julia E. Barry and Jackson D. Eldridge for the Western District of Oklahoma are prosecuting the case.

The Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section’s Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers and employees whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.